Political news in Senegal continues to make headlines with the dissolution of the opposition party, Pastef, led by Ousmane Sonko. This unexpected decision sparked strong reactions and reignited political tensions in the run-up to the 2024 presidential elections.
Pastef was a key ally in the Yewwi Askan Wi political coalition, and its dissolution took many of its partners by surprise, including Déthié Fall of the Republican Party for Progress. For the latter, this decision is seen as a democratic step backwards and a sign of growing political tension.
This dissolution is all the more controversial as it is the first time since the country’s independence in 1960 that a political party has been dissolved. For Aminata Touré, former Prime Minister and now member of the opposition, this demonstrates a worrying democratic decline.
On the side of the Benno Bokk Yakaar presidential coalition, the dissolution of Pastef is on the contrary seen as a necessary measure. Pape Mahawa Diouf, spokesperson for the coalition, highlights the violent behavior and destruction of public and private property attributed to Pastef and its leader.
Pastef’s political bureau has already announced that it will contest this dissolution through legal channels, describing it as “blatant illegality”. The situation therefore remains tense, with calls for the release of Ousmane Sonko who is currently in prison.
This dissolution of Pastef and its repercussions on the Senegalese political scene raise many questions about the future of the country. The 2024 presidential elections are already shaping up to be a key moment for the political future of Senegal.
Read more: https://www.actualite.com/article/opposition-senegalaise-dissolution-du-pastef-des-tensions-politiques-renouvelees-avant-les-elections-presidentielles-de-2024